Internet usage in US dropped 15% during Super Bowl

It may not come as much of a surprise, but it turns out that not a lot of people get on their computers during the Super Bowl. Even though the big game was available for streaming online for the second year in a row, it seems that not many users took advantage of it. However, it turns out that the live stream accounted for 3% of internet traffic during that time.

The stats come to us from networking equipment company Sandvine, and they say that overall internet traffic took a 15% dip once the Super Bowl started. They even provided a fairly detailed chart pointing out the notable moments during the big game (pictured above). As you can see, internet usage kept rising a bit after opening kickoff, but slowly started to see a decline further into the game.

However, once the Superdome blackout hit, traffic slowly started to rise, and then once the San Francisco 49ers began their late-game comeback, traffic went down the drain, which isn't too surprising considering that the 49ers can back from a huge deficit to get within a score from the Baltimore Ravens.

While Sandvine says that traffic statistics have shown continued growth in live streaming adoption of sporting events, the company still believes that streaming "is no threat to replace viewing via traditional broadcast methods." However, if live streaming gets to the point where it becomes really popular, Sandvine thinks that networks and broadcasters will give in and stream almost everything. That sounds hard to believe now, but as viewing habits change, so will our perception of what will become the norm.